The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) through its Resource Data Analysis Branch (RDAB), conducted a five-day workshop program on Radar Data Classification, held at the NAMRIA Geomatics Training Center (NGTC), Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City, on 27-31 March 2017. The workshop is second of two radar workshop modules, with the first one held in October 2016. The workshops were made possible through the collaboration of the World Bank representative to the Philippines, the Wealth Accounting and the Valuation Ecosystem Services (WAVES), SARVision, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and NAMRIA.

Dr. Quiñones listens to the presentation of output of one of the participants -- MA. ANNIE A. ALMUETE

The 32 participants were invitees from different Philippine institutions and agencies contributing to the WAVES in the Philippines (PHIL-WAVES) Project. The products of PHIL-WAVES in terms of policy analyses and recommendations provide the government solid understanding to address the competing claims on the country’s natural resources. The resulting environmental accounting will be inputted by the strategists of the government in crafting the next Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

The participants interpreted radar images, learned the use of necessary tools for software utilization, and derived possible conclusions on the applications of different types of remote sensing data. They were also evaluated with regards to their retained knowledge of radar contents and classification procedures.

Mr. Kooij looking on as the participants go through their exercises

The project engineers of SARVision, Ms. Marcela Quinones, Ph.D., with background in Ecology and Biology, and Mr. Boris Kooij, M.S., an expert in remote sensing specializing in radar, served as instructors/trainers.

Participants in one of their hands-on exercises

In her parting words, RDAB Director Rijaldia N. Santos, Ph.D., thanked all the participants, and the resource persons for their contributions in the knowledge and skills shared, and mentioned, she looked forward for more collaborations with them. She also expressed her appreciation for the new methods and applications imparted for improvements in land cover mapping projects.

NAMRIA produces topographic maps that are used as base maps for other thematic maps like land cover, land condition, land
classification, cadastral, etc. In addition, we have digital data of road maps available. This data comes from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).